Combining Ce-metal–organic framework with CdS for efficient photocatalytic removals of heavy metal ion and organic pollutant under visible and solar lights

Abstract

Among various emerging contaminants in water bodies, heavy metal ions and organic pollutants pose persistent damages that are hardly remediated naturally. In this regard, photocatalysis empowered by high-performance catalytic materials is a perfect fit. Herein, a series of CdS/Ce-MOF heterostructures were successfully synthesized through a facile hydrothermal method and superior photocatalytic abilities to remove Cr(VI) and Crystal violet (CV) from aqueous ambiences were unveiled. Up to 95.6% and 90% removal capabilities were reached for Cr(VI) and CV in 30 and 40 min by using as-prepared CdS/Ce-MOF heterojunctions as catalysts under solar light, and the capabilities retained high in cyclic tests. Following structural, morphological, optical, and electrochemical characterization results, the excellent photoredox ability of CdS/Ce-MOF was identified and attributed to enhanced visible light absorption ability and the improvement of charge separation ability in the heterostructure.